Notes from Daniel Pink, A Whole New Mind: Moving from the Information Age to the Conceptual Age (2005)
Once upon a time…
18th Century-19th Century: Agriculture Age (dominated by farmers)
19th Cenutury-20th Century: Industrial Age (dominated by factory workers)—characterized by mass production, the value of physical strength and repetition
20th Century-21st Century: Information Age (dominated by knowledge workers—IT jobs, lawyers, doctors, etc.)—logic, control of information, numbers and codes, language skills
21st Century: Conceptual Age (dominated by creators and empathizers)
The forces that have pushed the developed world from one age to the next are rising affluence, technology and globalization.
The information age is fading due to the emergence of three forces: Abundance, Asia, and Automation.
Abundance: Because of the tremendous abundance of goods in the West, products must begin to radically differentiate themselves from one another in order to be successful. Go to Target; you’ll find designer-labels on discount goods.
Asia: Now many of the knowledge worker jobs can be done by workers in India and other Asian countries for far, far less money. [Examples: reading x-rays; programming; customer service; drive-through orders at Burger King!]
Automation: Many jobs that once required human knowledge can now be done by computers. [medical diagnoses; law contracts and forms; …]
This new age—the Conceptual Age—will require a shift in focus from manipulating knowledge and information to developing new concepts. The manipulation of knowledge will still be essential, but that portion of the economy will no longer be dominated by workers in the West.
The Conceptual Age will be dominated by people who have a new set of skills and abilities, abilities that reside more in the right side of the brain than that left. Pink calls these “senses” and “aptitudes”:
Design—Not just function but also design. “It’s no longer sufficient to create a product, a service, an experience, or a lifestyle that’s merely functional. Today it’s economically crucial and personally rewarding to create something that’s beautiful, whimsical, and emotionally engaging.”
Story—Not just argument but also story. “When our lives are brimming with information and data, it’s not enough to marshal an effective argument. The essence of persuasion, communication and self-understanding has become the ability also to fashion a compelling narrative.”
Symphony—Not just focus but also symphony. ‘Much of the Industrial and Information Ages require focus and specialization. But…[now] there a new premium on the opposite aptitude: putting the pieces together, or…symphony. What’s in greatest demand today isn’t analysis but synthesis—seeing the big picture and, crossing boundaries, being able to combine disparate pieces into an arresting whole.”
Empathy—Not just logical but also empathy. “…In a world of ubiquitous information and advanced analytic tools, logic alone won’t do. What will distinguish those who thrive will be their ability to understand what makes their fellow woman or man tick, to forge relationships, and to care for others.”
Play—Not just seriousness but also play. “Amply evidence points to the enormous health and professional benefits of laughter, lightheartedness, games, and humor.”
Meaning—Not just accumulation but also meaning. “We live in a world of breathtaking material plenty. That has freed hundreds of millions of people from day-to-day struggles and liberated us to pursue more significant desires: purpose, transcendence, and spiritual fulfillment.”
Once upon a time…
18th Century-19th Century: Agriculture Age (dominated by farmers)
19th Cenutury-20th Century: Industrial Age (dominated by factory workers)—characterized by mass production, the value of physical strength and repetition
20th Century-21st Century: Information Age (dominated by knowledge workers—IT jobs, lawyers, doctors, etc.)—logic, control of information, numbers and codes, language skills
21st Century: Conceptual Age (dominated by creators and empathizers)
The forces that have pushed the developed world from one age to the next are rising affluence, technology and globalization.
The information age is fading due to the emergence of three forces: Abundance, Asia, and Automation.
Abundance: Because of the tremendous abundance of goods in the West, products must begin to radically differentiate themselves from one another in order to be successful. Go to Target; you’ll find designer-labels on discount goods.
Asia: Now many of the knowledge worker jobs can be done by workers in India and other Asian countries for far, far less money. [Examples: reading x-rays; programming; customer service; drive-through orders at Burger King!]
Automation: Many jobs that once required human knowledge can now be done by computers. [medical diagnoses; law contracts and forms; …]
This new age—the Conceptual Age—will require a shift in focus from manipulating knowledge and information to developing new concepts. The manipulation of knowledge will still be essential, but that portion of the economy will no longer be dominated by workers in the West.
The Conceptual Age will be dominated by people who have a new set of skills and abilities, abilities that reside more in the right side of the brain than that left. Pink calls these “senses” and “aptitudes”:
Design—Not just function but also design. “It’s no longer sufficient to create a product, a service, an experience, or a lifestyle that’s merely functional. Today it’s economically crucial and personally rewarding to create something that’s beautiful, whimsical, and emotionally engaging.”
Story—Not just argument but also story. “When our lives are brimming with information and data, it’s not enough to marshal an effective argument. The essence of persuasion, communication and self-understanding has become the ability also to fashion a compelling narrative.”
Symphony—Not just focus but also symphony. ‘Much of the Industrial and Information Ages require focus and specialization. But…[now] there a new premium on the opposite aptitude: putting the pieces together, or…symphony. What’s in greatest demand today isn’t analysis but synthesis—seeing the big picture and, crossing boundaries, being able to combine disparate pieces into an arresting whole.”
Empathy—Not just logical but also empathy. “…In a world of ubiquitous information and advanced analytic tools, logic alone won’t do. What will distinguish those who thrive will be their ability to understand what makes their fellow woman or man tick, to forge relationships, and to care for others.”
Play—Not just seriousness but also play. “Amply evidence points to the enormous health and professional benefits of laughter, lightheartedness, games, and humor.”
Meaning—Not just accumulation but also meaning. “We live in a world of breathtaking material plenty. That has freed hundreds of millions of people from day-to-day struggles and liberated us to pursue more significant desires: purpose, transcendence, and spiritual fulfillment.”